2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering wheel shudder on turns.

[JCyrbok]

Over the past month or so I have developed a slight shake or shudder in the steering wheel when turning a corner. It happens, or is atleast only noticible at slow speed and occurs at about mid-turn. The shudder is also felt through the floorboard and sometimes I swear I can hear it too, but the vibration and sound are very slight.



The only way that I could really explain the feeling is it is kind of like making a turn on dry pavement with 4x4 engaged, just not as severe (BTW 4x4 is not engaged when it does this).



Any ideas? Nothing is different with truck btween the time it started and now.



Its not too bad, but has gotten slightly worse over time. Track bar maybe starting to go? Truck seems to wander a bit more at highway speed than it once did.



Any help would be great.



J-

 

[TboneMan]

I had the same problem this summer. It ended up being a front axel U-join.

 

[Joe G.]

I had the same problem on my '95. It was a front axle U-joint. You can test for this by putting the front axle up on stands. Turn the wheels by hand and see if you feel any grinding or roughness. The wheels should turn smooth if the wheels are straight and have some symptoms when turned hard one way or the other. On mine it was just one side. Turning the wheels by hand located the side with the problem.

 

[JCyrbok]

front u-joints

OK thanks guys,



I'll start my investiagtion there.



How hard are they to change if they are the u-joints? I still have 4k left on the factory warranty and an additional 36K or so on an extended warranty. Would it just be better to have a dealer change them, after all its not the engine?LOL



Thanks again

J-

 

[RVnwithRAM]

I had a problem like you describe. Mine ended up being the limited slip. I added a bottle of limited slip addetive and I have had no more problem. Every time I came out of the drive way it felt like the steering wheel was rubbing against something. Good luck.

Arlon

 

[TboneMan]

According to the TDR Travel Companion definition for mechanical ability, I'm a 4 (basic duties only). I brought mine to a trusted shop. I was WAY out of warrenty (87000 miles).



They had a heck of a time getting the hub off.



If you have trust in your dealer's mechanics, I'd take it there. I'm not sure whether or not this is a warrentyable item however.